U.S. patent application number 13/945815 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-30 for methods, systems and computer-readable media for computing performance indicator of a resource.
Invention is credited to Patanjali Kashyap.
Application Number | 20140032277 13/945815 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49995742 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140032277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kashyap; Patanjali |
January 30, 2014 |
METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR COMPUTING
PERFORMANCE INDICATOR OF A RESOURCE
Abstract
Technologies provide a method and system for computing a
performance indicator of a resource. A plurality of parameters is
defined for the performance indicator. A set of questions is
presented to the resource, and a subset of questions is assigned to
each of the dimension of the plurality of parameters, where each
parameter can be associated with one or more dimensions. A response
is received for each question from the resource, and a subset of
responses for each dimension is aggregated to calculate a dimension
score for the each dimension. The performance indicator is
calculated from the dimension score of the each dimension of the
plurality of parameters.
Inventors: |
Kashyap; Patanjali;
(Muzaffarpur, IN) |
Family ID: |
49995742 |
Appl. No.: |
13/945815 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/7.39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/06393
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/7.39 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20060101
G06Q010/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 26, 2012 |
IN |
3058/CHE/2012 |
Claims
1. A method for computing a performance indicator of a resource,
the method comprising: presenting a set of questions to the
resource; defining a plurality of parameters of the performance
indicator; assigning a subset of questions from the set of
questions, to each dimension of the plurality of parameters,
whereby each parameter is associated with one or more dimensions;
receiving a response to each question from the resource;
aggregating a subset of responses to the subset of questions to
calculate a dimension score of the each dimension; and calculating
the performance indicator from the dimension score of the each
dimension of the plurality of parameters.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of parameters
comprise an emotional intelligence parameter, a Vedic intelligence
parameter and a social intelligence parameter.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the Vedic intelligence parameter
includes a moral intelligence parameter and a spiritual
intelligence parameter.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: computing an
emotional intelligence score from the dimension score of the each
dimension of the emotional intelligence parameter; computing a
vedic intelligence score from the dimension score of the each
dimension of the spiritual intelligence parameter and the moral
intelligence parameter; and computing a social intelligence score
from the dimension score of the each dimension of the social
intelligence parameter.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the Vedic intelligence score
comprises of a moral intelligence score and a spiritual
intelligence score.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: grading the emotional
intelligence score, the social intelligence score and Vedic
intelligence score according to a plurality of levels, whereby each
level signify a strength of an emotional quotient, a social
quotient, and a vedic quotient of the resource respectively.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the response comprises one of a
set of graded numbers, whereby each graded number signifies an
ability of the resource to handle a situation proposed by the each
question.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the ability comprises one of a
`Very slight ability`, an `OK Ability`, a `Moderate Ability`, a
`High Ability` and an `Excellent Ability`.
9. The method of claim 4, further comprising: presenting the
performance indicator to the resource with instructions related to
improving the emotional quotient, the social quotient and the vedic
quotient of the resource.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein, the instructions comprise one
or more training programs, the one or more training programs being
designed to develop the emotional quotient, the social quotient,
and the vedic quotient of the resource.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising integrating an
intelligence quotient of the resource with the performance
indicator to output a composite score.
12. A system for computing a performance indicator of a resource,
the system comprising: an output module configured to present a set
of questions to the resource; an input module configured to receive
a response to each question of the set of questions from the
resource; a memory module configured to store the set of questions,
and a plurality of parameters of the performance indicator, whereby
each parameter is associated with one or more dimensions; a
processing module configured to assign a subset of questions from
the set of questions, to each dimension of the plurality of
parameters; and a computing module configured to: (i) aggregate a
subset of responses to the subset of questions to calculate a
dimension score of the each dimension; and (ii) calculate the
performance indicator from the dimension score of the each
dimension of the plurality of parameters.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of parameters
comprise an emotional intelligence parameter, a Vedic intelligence
parameter and a social intelligence parameter.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the Vedic intelligence
parameter includes a moral intelligence parameter and a spiritual
intelligence parameter.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the performance indicator
comprises: an emotional intelligence score, a Vedic intelligence
score, and a social intelligence score, wherein; the emotional
intelligence score includes a summation of the dimension score of
the each dimension of the emotional intelligence parameter, the
Vedic intelligence score includes a summation of the dimension
score of the each dimension of the spiritual intelligence
parameter, and the moral intelligence parameter, and the social
intelligence score includes a summation of the dimension score of
the each dimension of the social intelligence parameter.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the Vedic intelligence score
comprises a moral intelligence score and a spiritual intelligence
score.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising: a grading module,
configured to grade the emotional intelligence score, the social
intelligence score and Vedic intelligence score according to a
plurality of levels, whereby each level signify a strength of an
emotional quotient, a social quotient and a vedic quotient of the
resource respectively.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the response comprises one of a
set of graded numbers, whereby each graded number signifies an
ability of the resource to handle a situation proposed by the each
question.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the ability comprises one of a
`Very slight ability`, an `OK Ability`, a `Moderate Ability`, a
`High Ability` and an `Excellent Ability`.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the output module is further
configured to: present the performance indicator to the resource
with instructions related to improving the emotional quotient, the
social quotient and vedic quotient of the resource.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the instructions comprise one
or more training programs, the one or more training programs being
designed to develop the emotional quotient the social quotient and
vedic quotient of the resource.
22. The system of claim 12, further comprising integrating an
intelligence quotient of the resource with the performance
indicator to output a composite score.
23. A computer program product consisting of a plurality of program
instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium
that, when executed by a computing device, performs a method of
computing a performance indicator of a resource, the method
comprising: presenting a set of questions to the resource; defining
a plurality of parameters of the performance indicator; assigning a
subset of questions from the set of questions, to each dimension of
the plurality of parameters, whereby each parameter is associated
with one or more dimensions; receiving a response to each question
from the resource; aggregating a subset of responses to the subset
of questions to calculate a dimension score of the each dimension;
and calculating the performance indicator from the dimension score
of the each dimension of the plurality of parameters.
24. The computer program product of claim 23, wherein the plurality
of parameters comprise an emotional intelligence parameter, a Vedic
intelligence parameter and a social intelligence parameter.
25. The computer program product of claim 24, wherein the Vedic
intelligence parameter includes a moral intelligence parameter and
a spiritual intelligence parameter.
26. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the
performance indicator comprises: an emotional intelligence score, a
Vedic intelligence score, and a social intelligence score, wherein;
the emotional intelligence score includes a summation of the
dimension score of the each dimension of the emotional intelligence
parameter, the Vedic intelligence score includes a summation of the
dimension score of the each dimension of the spiritual intelligence
parameter, and the moral intelligence parameter, and the social
intelligence score includes a summation of the dimension score of
the each dimension of the social intelligence parameter.
27. The computer program product of claim 26, wherein the Vedic
intelligence score comprises of a moral intelligence score and a
spiritual intelligence score.
28. The computer program product of claim 27, wherein the method
further comprises: grading the emotional intelligence score, the
social intelligence score and Vedic intelligence score according to
a plurality of levels, whereby each level signify a strength of an
emotional quotient, a social quotient, and a vedic quotient of the
resource respectively.
29. The computer program product of claim 23, wherein the response
comprises one of a set of graded numbers, whereby each graded
number signifies an ability of the resource to handle a situation
proposed by the each question.
30. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein the ability
comprises one of a `Very slight ability`, an `OK Ability`, a
`Moderate Ability`, a `High Ability` and an `Excellent
Ability`.
31. The computer program product of claim 27, wherein the method
further comprises: presenting the performance indicator to the
resource with instructions related to improving the emotional
quotient, the social quotient and the vedic quotient of the
resource.
32. The computer program product of claim 31, wherein the
instructions comprise one or more training programs, the one or
more training programs being designed to develop the emotional
quotient the social quotient and vedic quotient of the
resource.
33. The computer program product of claim 23, wherein the method
further comprises: further comprising integrating an intelligence
quotient of the resource with the performance indicator to output a
composite score.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The technologies relate generally to a method and system of
evaluating the corporate performance of an organization. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system
for calculating a performance indicator of a human resource of the
organization.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A Balanced Scorecard has emerged as a strategic tool for an
organization to measure corporate performance of an individual of
the organization. Existing Balanced Scorecards usually, integrate
actions of every individual of the organization, to track whether
the actions of the individual are in furtherance to the goals of
the organization. Such quantitative measures of calculating
productivity of the individual merely reflect the intelligence
quotient of the individual. However, studies have shown that the
emotional, moral and social intelligence of the individual have a
bearing effect on the corporate performance of the organization.
Alternatively, in order to effectively measure the corporate
performance of the individual, an emotional, moral and social
quotient of the individual needs to be measured. A combined
quotient that includes the intelligence, emotional, moral and
social quotient of the individual is required in order to assess
the corporate performance of the individual effectively. Further, a
system that provides inputs for improving the emotional, social and
moral intelligence of the individual is essential in order to
improve the corporate performance of the individual.
[0003] Hence, there is a need for an alternative method and system
that can measure the emotional, moral and social quotient of the
individual of the organization. The alternate method and system
must provide means for improving the measured emotional, moral and
social quotient of the individual. Thus a method and system for
effectively calculating the corporate performance of the individual
is proposed.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention provides a method and system for
computing a performance indicator of a resource. In accordance with
a disclosed embodiment, the method may include presenting a set of
question to the resource, defining a plurality of parameters of the
performance indicator, assigning a subset of questions from the set
of questions, to each dimension of the plurality of parameters,
whereby each parameter is associated with one or more dimensions,
receiving a response to each question from the resource,
aggregating a subset of responses to the subset of questions to
calculate a dimension score of the each dimension, and calculating
the performance indicator from the dimension score of the each
dimension of the plurality of parameters.
[0005] In an additional embodiment, a system computing a
performance indicator of a resource is disclosed. The system
comprises a an output module configured to present a set of
questions to the resource, an input module configured to receive a
response to each question of the set of questions from the
resource, a memory module configured to store the set of questions,
and a plurality of parameters of the performance indicator, whereby
each parameter is associated with one or more dimensions, a
processing module configured to assign a subset of questions from
the set of questions, to each dimension of the plurality of
parameters, and a computing module configured to; aggregate a
subset of responses to the subset of questions to calculate a
dimension score of the each dimension; and calculate the
performance indicator from the dimension score of the each
dimension of the plurality of parameters.
[0006] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will be better understood with reference to the
following description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method
of computing a performance indicator of a resource.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of
a method of computing a performance indicator of a resource.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary system for computing a performance
indicator of a resource.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a generalized example of a computing
environment 400.
[0011] While systems and methods are described herein by way of
example and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that
systems and methods for electronic financial transfers are not
limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be
understood that the drawings and description are not intended to be
limiting to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the intention is
to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Any headings
used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant
to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used
herein, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning
having the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e.,
meaning must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and
"includes" mean including, but not limited to.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Disclosed embodiments provide computer-implemented methods,
systems, and computer-program products for computing a performance
indicator of a resource viz. a human resource. The performance
indicator gives a measure of corporate performance of the human
resource. The methods disclosed herein, incorporate a set of
questions, wherein each question represents an emotional, a social,
a vedic or a behavioral trait of the resource. A set of responses
provided by the resource is preferably assessed against a
predetermined scale to determine an emotional quotient, a social
quotient, or a vedic quotient of the resource. The performance
indicator can be calculated on the basis of the determined
emotional, social and vedic quotient.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a flowchart that illustrates a method performed in
computing a performance indicator of a resource in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. In the disclosed embodiment
the resource can refer to a human resource such as an employee of a
corporate organization. Further, the performance indicator can give
an indication of a performance capability or productivity of the
resource. At step 102, a set of questions is presented to the
resource. At step 104, a plurality of parameters is defined for the
performance indicator. The plurality of parameters can include an
emotional intelligence parameter, a Vedic intelligence parameter
and a social intelligence parameter. Each of the plurality of
parameters can include a one or more dimensions. Further, at step
106, a subset of questions from the set of questions can be
assigned to each of the one or more dimensions of the plurality of
parameters. At step 108, a response to each question of the set of
questions can be received from the resource. A subset of responses
to the subset of questions of the each one or more dimension can be
aggregated to calculate a dimension score of the each one or more
dimension at step 112. At step 114, the performance indicator can
be calculated from the dimension score of the each one or more
dimension.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a method of
practicing the instant invention. At step 202, a set of questions
are presented to the resource, whose performance indicator needs to
be calculated. The resource can be a human resource such as an
employee of a corporate organization. The performance indicator of
such a resource shall usually refer to a corporate performance
ability or productivity of the resource, a criteria that shall
determine the utility of the resource for the corporate
organization in which the resource is usually employed. A plurality
of parameters can be defined for the performance indicator at step
204. The plurality of parameters can include an emotional
intelligence parameter, a social intelligence parameter and a vedic
intelligence parameter. The emotional intelligence parameter (EQ)
basically measures emotional intelligence or ability of an
individual to identify, assess and control emotions of oneself,
others and of groups. The social intelligence parameter (SQ)
basically identify the ability of the individual to have a
nourishing behavior towards other people such that the other people
feel loved, respected, appreciated and valued. The SQ measures
social intelligence of the individual. The individual possessing
superior social skills, is usually in a better position to
influence the other people effectively and thereby achieve their
objectives by working from empathy. The individual with higher
social intelligence can reduce conflict, create more efficient and
effective collaboration amongst the other people in order to
achieve goals of an organization or purpose. The Vedic Intelligence
Parameter can include a moral intelligence parameter and a
spiritual intelligence parameter. The moral intelligence parameter
can depict a degree of strength of character of the individual. The
strength of character usually defines an ability of the individual
to overcome adversity, realize goals, capacity to interact with the
other people and to determine how others may perceive us. The
spiritual intelligence parameter usually measures a spiritual
intelligence of the individual. The spiritual intelligence is
usually an ability of the individual to adaptively use spiritual
information and resource for problem solving and goal attainment.
The individual with a high spiritual intelligence can focus on
higher levels of consciousness for achieving righteous goals for
the corporate organization. Each of the plurality of parameters can
include one or more dimensions. In an instance the emotional
intelligence parameter can include fifteen dimensions, the social
intelligence parameter can include five dimensions and the moral
intelligence parameter can include seven dimensions. Each of the
dimensions shall clarify an aspect or virtue of an associated
parameter. In the given instance, the fifteen dimensions of the
emotional intelligence parameter can include, emotional
self-awareness; assertiveness; independence or an ability to make
decisions based on one's own assessment and understanding of a
situation; self-actualization meaning a competency of being able to
set goals for oneself and meeting the goals; empathy viz. an
ability to listen and pay attention to the other people's feelings;
social responsibility meaning a competency of being able to care
and discipline our work efforts to serve the interests of
individuals and groups that lie outside the field of our personal
needs, goals and concerns; interpersonal relationships meaning a
competency of the individual to initiate and sustain lasting
friendships; stress tolerance viz skill to keep unavoidable pains
and intrusions of life from weakening our physical and emotional
health; impulse control viz. an ability to regulate the buildup of
nervous energy that accompanies without projecting it as anger,
anesthetizing it through self-medication or distracting ourselves
from it; reality testing viz. a competency that enables the
individual to correctly evaluate the nature of the current
situation; flexibility viz. a skill that allows the individual to
change direction rapidly without resistance; problem solving;
optimism; happiness and self-regard viz. a skill of liking oneself.
Further, in the given instance the seven dimensions of the moral
intelligence parameter include empathy viz. an ability to identify
with other people's concerns; conscience viz. an ability to know
the right path of action; self-control viz. an ability to fully
understand oneself and to use the information to manage emotions
productively; respect viz. a competency to treat people in a
courteous and considerate way; kindness viz. an ability of
demonstrate concern about welfare and feelings of the other people;
fairness viz. an ability to be open-minded and act in a just
manner; and tolerance viz. an ability to respect dignity and rights
of all people. Further in the given instance, the five dimensions
of the social intelligence parameter include situational radar viz.
an ability to read situations from the social context; presence
viz. an external sense of one's self; authenticity; clarity; and
empathy. In order to measure each of the one or more dimensions of
each of the plurality of parameters, a subset of questions from the
set of questions can be assigned to each of the one or more
dimensions, at step 206. The response to each of the set of
questions can be received from the resource, in step 208. The
response can comprise one of a set of graded numbers, whereby each
graded number signifies an ability of the resource to handle a
situation proposed by the each question. The ability can be
expressed in terms of a `Very slight ability`, an `OK Ability`, a
`Moderate Ability`, a `High Ability` and an `Excellent Ability`.
The graded number can be associated with each of the aforementioned
abilities. The response to the subset of questions of a particular
dimension can be aggregated to achieve a dimension score of the
particular dimension, at step 210. On achieving the dimension score
of the each dimension, a parameter score for each of the plurality
of parameters, can be calculated by a process of summation at step
212. For instance the parameter score of the emotional intelligence
parameter known as an emotional intelligence score can be
calculated by summing up each dimension score of the fifteen
dimensions of the emotional intelligence parameter. Similarly, the
social intelligence score can be calculated by summing up each
dimension score of the five dimensions of the social intelligence
parameter. The parameter score of each of the plurality of
parameters can be rated against a predetermined scale, wherein the
predetermined scale can include a plurality of levels, at step 214.
Each level of the plurality of levels can signify strength of the
associated parameter viz. strength of the emotional intelligence of
the resource. The strength of the emotional intelligence can be
termed as an emotional quotient. Similarly, the strength of the
social intelligence can be termed as a social quotient, and
strength of the vedic intelligence can be termed as a vedic
quotient. In an instance, the plurality of levels, for the
emotional intelligence parameter, can be as follows: a parameter
score of: [0015] above 70, can signify an excessively high
emotional quotient, [0016] 55 to 69, can signify a very high
emotional quotient, [0017] 40-54, can signify a high emotional
quotient, [0018] 25-39, can signify an above average emotional
quotient, [0019] 10-24, can signify an average emotional quotient,
[0020] 0-9, can signify a below average emotional quotient, [0021]
below 0, can signify a low emotional quotient.
[0022] At step 216, the performance indicator is calculated from
each of the computed parameter scores. A weighted average method, a
summation process or any existing mathematical technique may be
followed for the purpose of calculating the performance indicator
from the computed parameter scores. At step 218, the performance
indicator can be presented to the resource, with instructions
related to improving the emotional quotient, the social quotient
and the vedic quotient of the resource. The instructions for
improvement can include one or more training programs designed to
develop the emotional quotient, the social quotient, and the vedic
quotient of the resource. The one or more training programs can be
customized to each of the resource based on the performance
indicator of the resource. On completion of the one or more
training programs, the resource may be reevaluated by going through
steps 202 to 218, in order to recalculate the performance
indicator. Further, on completion of the one or more training
programs, the resource may be reevaluated by a peer and a manager
of the resource, and a value of the performance indicator shall be
computed. A composite value of the performance indicator shall
indicate whether the emotional quotient, the social quotient and
the vedic quotient of the resource has improved to standards or
whether further training programs would be essential for the
resource.
[0023] The result of the abovementioned method viz. the performance
indicator can be integrated with the output of an existing balance
scorecard viz. an intelligence quotient of the resource in order to
get a comprehensive score or a composite score. The composite score
shall signify the overall productivity of the resource as it shall
include the emotional quotient, the social quotient, the moral
quotient, a spiritual quotient and the intelligence quotient of the
resource. Such composite score shall be more effective for the
purpose of measuring whether the resource shall have a high
corporate performance and productivity for the organization.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system 300 in which various
embodiments of the invention can be practiced. The exemplary system
300 includes an output module 304, an input module 302, a
processing module 306, a computing module 308, and a memory module
310. The output module 304, can be configured to present a set of
questions to a resource whose performance indicator is to be
computed. The input module 302, can be configured to receive a
response to each question of the set of questions from the
resource. The memory module 310, can be configured to store a set
of questions and a plurality of parameters of the performance
indicator. Each of the plurality of parameters can include a set of
dimensions which define the parameter. The set of dimensions can
also be stored in the memory module 310. The processing module 306,
can be configured to assign a subset of questions from the set of
questions to each dimension of the plurality of parameters. The
computing module 308, can be configured to calculate the
performance indicator of the resource. The output module 304, can
be configured to present the calculated performance indicator to
the resource.
[0025] The plurality of parameters can include an emotional
intelligence parameter, a Vedic intelligence parameter and a social
intelligence parameter. The Vedic intelligence parameter can
include a moral intelligence parameter and a spiritual intelligence
parameter. The computing module 308, can be further configured to
compute an emotional intelligence score from the dimension score of
the each dimension of the emotional intelligence parameter, a vedic
intelligence score from the dimension score of the each dimension
of the spiritual intelligence parameter and the moral intelligence
parameter; and a social intelligence score from the dimension score
of the each dimension of the social intelligence parameter. The
Vedic intelligence score can include a moral intelligence score and
a spiritual intelligence score corresponding to a moral
intelligence parameter and a spiritual intelligence parameter
respectively. The computing module 308 can be further configured to
grade the emotional intelligence score, the social intelligence
score and Vedic intelligence score according to a plurality of
levels, whereby each level signify a strength of an emotional
quotient, a social quotient, and a vedic quotient of the resource
respectively. The response can include one of a set of graded
numbers, whereby each graded number signifies an ability of the
resource to handle a situation proposed by the each question. The
ability can be represented as one of a `Very slight ability`, an
`OK Ability`, a `Moderate Ability`, a `High Ability` and an
`Excellent Ability`. The output module 304 can be further
configured to output or present, the performance indicator to the
resource along with instructions related to improving the emotional
quotient, the social quotient and the vedic quotient of the
resource. Means of outputting the performance indicator can be
through a graphical user interface. The instructions can include
one or more training programs, the one or more training programs
being designed to develop the emotional quotient, the social
quotient, and the vedic quotient of the resource. Finally, the
computing module 308, can be further configured to, combine the
calculated performance indicator with an intelligence quotient of
the resource to output a composite score, depicting an overall
performance characteristic of the resource. The intelligence
quotient can be determined by any of the balance scorecards
existing in prior art.
[0026] One or more of the above-described techniques can be
implemented in or involve one or more computer systems. FIG. 4
illustrates a generalized example of a computing environment 400.
The computing environment 400 is not intended to suggest any
limitation as to scope of use or functionality of described
embodiments.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 4, the computing environment 400
includes at least one processing unit 410 and memory 420. In FIG.
4, this most basic configuration 430 is included within a dashed
line. The processing unit 410 executes computer-executable
instructions and may be a real or a virtual processor. In a
multi-processing system, multiple processing units execute
computer-executable instructions to increase processing power. The
memory 420 may be volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, RAM),
non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), or
some combination of the two. In some embodiments, the memory 420
stores software 480 implementing described techniques.
[0028] A computing environment may have additional features. For
example, the computing environment 400 includes storage 440, one or
more input devices 440, one or more output devices 460, and one or
more communication connections 470. An interconnection mechanism
(not shown) such as a bus, controller, or network interconnects the
components of the computing environment 400. Typically, operating
system software (not shown) provides an operating environment for
other software executing in the computing environment 400, and
coordinates activities of the components of the computing
environment 400.
[0029] The storage 440 may be removable or non-removable, and
includes magnetic disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, CD-ROMs,
CD-RWs, DVDs, or any other medium which can be used to store
information and which can be accessed within the computing
environment 400. In some embodiments, the storage 440 stores
instructions for the software 480.
[0030] The input device(s) 450 may be a touch input device such as
a keyboard, mouse, pen, trackball, touch screen, a voice input
device, a scanning device, a digital camera, or another device that
provides input to the computing environment 400. The output
device(s) 460 may be a display, printer, speaker, or another device
that provides output from the computing environment 400.
[0031] The communication connection(s) 470 enable communication
over a communication medium to another computing entity. The
communication medium conveys information such as
computer-executable instructions, audio or video information, or
other data in a modulated data signal. A modulated data signal is a
signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed
in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of
example, and not limitation, communication media include wired or
wireless techniques implemented with an electrical, optical, RF,
infrared, acoustic, or other carrier.
[0032] Implementations can be described in the general context of
computer-readable media. Computer-readable media are any available
media that can be accessed within a computing environment. By way
of example, and not limitation, within the computing environment
400, computer-readable media include memory 420, storage 440,
communication media, and combinations of any of the above.
[0033] Having described and illustrated the principles of our
invention with reference to described embodiments, it will be
recognized that the described embodiments can be modified in
arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. It
should be understood that the programs, processes, or methods
described herein are not related or limited to any particular type
of computing environment, unless indicated otherwise. Various types
of general purpose or specialized computing environments may be
used with or perform operations in accordance with the teachings
described herein. Elements of the described embodiments shown in
software may be implemented in hardware and vice versa.
[0034] As will be appreciated by those ordinary skilled in the art,
the foregoing example, demonstrations, and method steps may be
implemented by suitable code on a processor base system, such as
general purpose or special purpose computer. It should also be
noted that different implementations of the present technique may
perform some or all the steps described herein in different orders
or substantially concurrently, that is, in parallel. Furthermore,
the functions may be implemented in a variety of programming
languages. Such code, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skilled in the art, may be stored or adapted for storage in one or
more tangible machine readable media, such as on memory chips,
local or remote hard disks, optical disks or other media, which may
be accessed by a processor based system to execute the stored code.
Note that the tangible media may comprise paper or another suitable
medium upon which the instructions are printed. For instance, the
instructions may be electronically captured via optical scanning of
the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise
processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a
computer memory.
[0035] The following description is presented to enable a person of
ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is
provided in the context of the requirement for a obtaining a
patent. The present description is the best presently-contemplated
method for carrying out the present invention. Various
modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art and the generic principles of the
present invention may be applied to other embodiments, and some
features of the present invention may be used without the
corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, the present
invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but
is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles
and features described herein.
[0036] While the foregoing has described certain embodiments and
the best mode of practicing the invention, it is understood that
various implementations, modifications and examples of the subject
matter disclosed herein may be made. It is intended by the
following claims to cover the various implementations,
modifications, and variations that may fall within the scope of the
subject matter described.
* * * * *